April is Stress Awareness Month – and the Outdoors Can Help

April marks Stress Awareness Month, a timely reminder to take stock of our mental wellbeing — especially as longer days and spring sunshine coax us back outside. At Wilderness Expertise, we see the incredible power of the outdoors every day. Whether it’s through a Duke of Edinburgh expedition or a personal development programme, nature has a unique way of grounding us, helping us reset, and reminding us what we’re capable of.

Nature as a Natural Antidote to Stress

In a world that often feels loud and rushed, the outdoors offers something rare: space to breathe. Fresh air, natural light, and the rhythm of walking through open landscapes have been proven to reduce stress levels and improve mood. Just being in green spaces can lower cortisol (the stress hormone), while walking boosts endorphins and gives the mind a chance to declutter.

We see it in action all the time — the quiet confidence that grows in a young person who’s just reached a summit, the calm that settles after a night spent under canvas, or the shared laughter over a campsite meal. These small, simple moments are powerful, especially for young people navigating the pressure of school life.

Supporting Students Through Exam Season

This time of year can be particularly tough for students heading into exam season. That’s why our programmes aren’t just about navigation skills or pitching tents — they’re about building mental resilience, encouraging mindful moments, and reminding participants that it’s okay to pause and breathe.

Our aim isn’t just to provide one-off experiences, but to inspire a lifelong relationship with the outdoors. We hope that beyond their DofE award or development programme, our participants keep walking, keep noticing, and keep moving — because we know how much it helps.

The Joy of an Outdoor Career

And it’s not just young people who benefit. Our incredible freelance team have built their careers in the outdoors — and they are some of the most positive, grounded and fulfilled people we know. They’ve found a way to combine purpose, passion and wellbeing in their work, often citing nature as the best colleague they’ve ever had.

Their stories are living proof that outdoor experiences don’t just reduce stress — they can shape futures, change perspectives, and offer a completely different way of life.

Breathe In, Step Out

As we mark Stress Awareness Month, we encourage everyone — whether you’re revising for GCSEs, managing deadlines, or just feeling overwhelmed — to step outside. Go for a walk, find a patch of green, listen to the wind in the trees. You don’t need a mountain or a compass to feel the benefits — just a bit of time, and the willingness to take that first step.

Let nature do the rest.